Sunday, Dec 21
7:00 pm - 11 pm
A Celebration of Light and Togetherness
Yalda Night, or Shab-e Yalda, is one of the most cherished and ancient Iranian traditions, celebrated on the longest night of the year. Marking the winter solstice, this festival is a time for family gatherings, storytelling, and the symbolic triumph of light over darkness. Rooted in Persian culture for millennia, Yalda Night continues to unite Iranians around the world, preserving a legacy of love, warmth, and connection.
The celebration of Yalda dates back to ancient Persia, when Zoroastrians marked the winter solstice as the rebirth of the sun and the victory of light over darkness. The word "Yalda" means "birth" in Syriac and signifies the renewal of life and hope. Traditionally, families gather on this night to share pomegranates, watermelons, and nuts—symbolic foods representing health, prosperity, and happiness. Poetry readings, particularly from Hafez, and storytelling are integral parts of the festivities, adding depth and cultural richness to the occasion.
The Importance of Yalda Night for Iranians
Yalda Night is more than just a celebration; it is a cultural bridge connecting generations. For Iranians, it serves as a reminder of their rich heritage and the enduring values of unity, resilience, and hope. In the diaspora, this night holds even greater significance, as it offers a chance for immigrant communities to reconnect with their roots and pass down these timeless traditions to younger generations. Yalda symbolizes the enduring spirit of Iranian culture, fostering a sense of belonging and identity.
Since 2008, we have been actively engaged in cultural activities within the Iranian-Canadian community.
The Iranian Info Centre has been serving the Iranian community since 2008. Now, with the launch of IRCA (a combination of IR and CA), we have expanded our focus on planning and managing cultural events, Iranian celebrations, and tributes to Iranian myths and legends — with the slogan: “Iran lives through its enduring culture.”
IRCA continues the association’s 16-year journey of preserving and promoting Iran’s rich cultural heritage
Experience captivating traditional Persian music and dance performances that will mesmerize you.
Savour the rich and diverse flavours of Persian cuisine, from savoury dishes to delightful sweets.
Discover the beauty of Persian art through our exhibitions showcasing paintings, calligraphy, and sculptures.
“The Persian Festivals are the fantastic events that truly captures the essence of Persian culture. The music, dance, food and atmosphere are simply amazing. It's a must-visit for anyone interested in experiencing Persian traditions!”
Tirgan Festival is an ancient Iranian celebration that honors Tishtrya, the Zoroastrian divine figure associated with rain and water, and it takes place in the month of Tir (the fourth month of the Persian calendar), typically around July 1–4 in the Gregorian calendar.
Key Features of Tirgan Festival:
Celebrates rain, water, and the harvest — a prayer and hope for rainfall and agricultural abundance.
Associated with the legend of Arash the Archer, who heroically defined Iran’s borders by shooting an arrow from a mountaintop — a symbol of sacrifice, patriotism, and unity.
Customs and Traditions:
Splashing water on one another (a joyful, symbolic ritual for rain and purification).
Dancing and singing traditional songs.
Wearing rainbow-colored wristbands (known as "tir-o rang"), which are worn for ten days and then released into a river.
Storytelling and poetry reading, especially tales of Arash the Archer and ancient Iranian myths.
Modern Celebrations:
Especially celebrated by Zoroastrians and increasingly by Iranians in the diaspora.
In places like Toronto, Canada, the Tirgan Festival has become a major cultural event showcasing Persian music, dance, food, art, and literature, attracting thousands of attendees from around the world.
Sales & Marketing
_Nia (604) 848-9211
_Omid (778) 713-7717
_Sean (236) 858-3417
General contact:
(236) 509-8525
info@persianfestival.ca